Who Is Abidur Chowdhury? Meet the Designer of Apple’s Slim iPhone Air

Abidur Chowdhury has made a strong impact in the world of technology as the creative mind behind the iPhone Air, Apple’s slimmest smartphone to date. This device has been called a breakthrough in modern design, combining elegance, power, and futuristic technology in a way that redefines how people think about smartphones.

Born and raised in London, England, Chowdhury’s path from being a curious student with big dreams to becoming a central figure at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a reminder that dedication, vision, and hard work can truly open doors to extraordinary achievements.

When introducing the iPhone Air, Chowdhury explained Apple’s goal clearly: they wanted to create “an iPhone that feels like a piece of the future.” He described it as “the thinnest iPhone ever, with the power of Pro inside. A paradox you have to hold to believe.”

The iPhone Air was launched at a starting price of Dh4,299 for the 256GB version. Built with a titanium frame, it is one-third thinner than previous models, proving that Apple is once again setting the standard for smartphone design. With its sleek form and advanced features, the iPhone Air is more than a gadget—it’s a vision of the future in your hand.

Who is Abidur Chowdhury?

Abidur Chowdhury is an industrial designer currently working with Apple in Cupertino, California. On his LinkedIn profile, he introduces himself with humble words: “I was born and raised in London, and I’m now a designer based in San Francisco where I’ve been so, so fortunate to have been able to work on so many incredible things.”

Even though his career has taken him across the world, Chowdhury’s journey is rooted in London, where he first developed his interest in creativity, problem-solving, and product design.

Education and Early Achievements

Chowdhury built his academic foundation at Loughborough University, where he studied Product Design and Technology. During his university years, his talent quickly became clear through multiple prestigious awards.

• He won the 3D Hubs Student Grant.
• Received the James Dyson Foundation Bursary.
• Secured the New Designers Kenwood Appliances Award.
• Took first place in the Seymour Powell Design Week competition.

In 2016, his “Plug and Play” concept won the Red Dot Design Award, one of the most respected recognitions in the design world. This achievement cemented his reputation as an innovative designer capable of blending beauty and functionality in a unique way.

These milestones were only the beginning of what would later define his career—creating designs that not only look good but also serve a real purpose in people’s everyday lives.

Career Before Apple

Before joining Apple, Chowdhury gained valuable experience working at several design firms and through independent projects.

• He interned at Cambridge Consultants and Curventa in the UK, where he got hands-on training in product development.
• Later, he worked at Layer, a London-based design studio known for forward-thinking projects.
• In 2018, Chowdhury launched his own consultancy, Abidur Chowdhury Design, which collaborated with startups, agencies, and companies to develop new products and creative strategies.

This entrepreneurial chapter showed his versatility and ability to adapt across industries. It also proved that he had the courage to lead his own projects, not just follow existing paths.

Becoming a Key Figure at Apple

In January 2019, Chowdhury officially joined Apple as an Industrial Designer. Within a short time, he became a key player in Apple’s efforts to push design and technology further than ever before.

His work on the iPhone Air reflects his personal design philosophy—creating devices that are not just functional, but also emotionally meaningful to users. He believes technology should feel natural, almost invisible, while still delivering power and performance.

The iPhone Air – A Masterpiece of Design

The iPhone Air is a true engineering achievement. Its titanium body and single telephoto-lens camera make it durable yet extremely lightweight. Although it has a smaller battery, Apple has compensated with AI-powered photography and advanced battery optimization, allowing users to enjoy all-day usage without compromise.

At the launch event, Chowdhury described the phone as “a paradox you have to hold to believe,” pointing out that despite its thin design, it is packed with high-end features.

Some key highlights include:

• A powerful A19 Pro chip for smooth performance.
• A redesigned camera plateau, which integrates essential components while maximizing space for the battery.
• Upgraded cameras for professional-grade photography.
• Larger displays for immersive viewing.
• Multiple storage options and fresh color variants.

The device has created a huge buzz in global markets, especially in India, where pre-orders are expected to skyrocket.

The Man Behind the Vision

Now living in San Francisco, Abidur Chowdhury continues to play an important role at Apple, shaping the future of product design. His journey from London to Silicon Valley shows his relentless drive to innovate and his ability to imagine products that connect deeply with people.

The iPhone Air is more than just a smartphone. It represents a bold step in merging design and technology into a single, futuristic device. Chowdhury’s vision and creativity have made it possible, turning an idea into a product that millions will use and admire.

READ MORE: Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 Launched With 5G and New Health Features